Hemorrhagic Stroke

Definition

Stroke is a brain injury caused by an interruption in blood flow. Brain tissue that does not get oxygen and nutrients from blood can die within minutes. The damage to the brain can cause a sudden loss in neurologic functions. The types of functions that are affected will depend on the part of the brain that is damaged.

Two blood flow problems that cause a stroke. Strokes may be hemorrhagic or ischemic.

Causes

A hemorrhagic stroke can occur because of abnormal blood vessels in the brain. These vessels are weaker than normal vessels and break open under pressure. The blood leaks out of the broken blood vessel and into the brain. This can lead to brain damage because blood flow is interrupted and the pooled blood can cause pressure on the brain.

Blood disorders or medications that reduce blood clotting can also increase your risk of a hemorrhagic stroke.

Symptoms

Rapid treatment is important to decrease the amount of brain damage. Brain tissue without blood flow dies quickly. Call for emergency medical services right away if you notice any of the following symptoms.

Symptoms will depend on the part of the brain affected. Call for emergency medical services right away for:

Sudden weakness or numbness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body

Diagnosis

The doctor will look for muscle weakness, visual and speech problems, and movement difficulty. If possible, you will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A
CT scan
may be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Detailed images of blood vessels will help identify the cause of the bleeding. Images may be taken with one or more of the following tests:

Blood tests can also help identify clotting problems in the blood. Your doctor may also examine the fluid that surrounds your brain and spine.

Treatment

Immediate treatment is needed to stop the bleeding and relieve pressure on the brain.

Medication

If you were taking medications that reduce your blood’s ability to clot you will be given medication to help your blood clot again. This may also include vitamin K.

You may also be given medication to help:

Decrease pressure in your brain

Prevent seizures

Lower blood pressure

Surgery

Surgery may be done to help stop the bleeding. Some surgeries can be done by passing catheters from blood vessels in the groin to the affected vessels in the brain.

Options will depend on the cause and location of the bleeding:

For a burst aneurysm—A clip may be placed just before the damaged vessel to stop bleeding.

For a leaking or intact aneurysm—A special coil may be placed in the aneurysm. The coil will help a clot form in the aneurysm to prevent bleeding. A clip, as used in burst aneurysms, may be placed instead of a coil.

For an abnormal tangle of blood vessels—Surgery may be done to repair the blood vessels. This may include removing the tangles or rerouting the blood around this tangle.

A stroke can cause swelling in the brain. A surgery, such as craniotomy, may be needed to relieve the pressure in the brain to prevent further damage.

Rehabilitation

If brain tissue was damaged, rehabilitation can be an important part of recovery. Rehabilitation may include:

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.